The Anthropology of Maternal Death

3 units

No other commonly-recorded health indicator shows such great disparities between rich and poor nations as does maternal mortality. Over 500,000 women die each year around the world from complications of pregnancy and childbirth, but 99% of these deaths occur in impoverished, non-industrialized countries. This course will examine the reasons for this stunning discrepancy, looking at the biological, social, political, and economic factors involved in maternal death. The course will be conducted as a seminar based on detailed readings of relevant journal articles, group discussion, case studies, and class presentations. Prerequisite: Anthro 3621.